News, opinion and commentary

Big investors miss the biotech message

Article Abstract:

Australia should encourage more government and private investment in biotechnology in general and genetic research in particular. Although it is difficult to ascertain which biotechnology companies may eventually prosper, the industry as a whole is one of the largest growing in the world. The US government allocates $US24 bil per year while Australia only allocates $AU200 mil. Australia should increase its funding to $AU20 bil. The Australian capital gains tax discourages needed investments by private investors.

The big bubble effect

Article Abstract:

The decision to devalue a currency will affect many financial markets and economies. However, economists are not certain as to which central bank, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank, or the US Federal Reserve, will devalue its currency. Australia, faced with a collapsing Asian economies, decided to let its currency float, which resulted in a depreciation against the US dollar but it has kept is exports competitive.

National Award for Aboriginal Community Business Partnership

Article Abstract:

The Prime Minister's Awards to firms which have set up successful community based employment are listed. The overall winner, Euraba Paper Company, New South Wales, trains local women to produce handmade paper for local and foreign markets.